Sea Salt Versus Table Salt: Which is Better?

By Kelley Luckstein

Sea salt and table salt have the same basic nutritional value, according to the Mayo Clinic. Indeed, both sea salt and table salt consist primarily of sodium and chloride.

Sea salt is often marketed as a more natural and healthy alternative. "The real differences between sea salt and table salt are in their taste, texture and processing, not their chemical makeup," says Mayo Clinic nutritionist, Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

Sea salt is produced through evaporation of seawater, usually with little processing, which leaves behind some trace minerals and elements depending on its water source. These insignificant amounts of minerals add flavor and color to sea salt, which also comes in a variety of coarseness levels, says Zeratsky.